Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

$To make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, you need these items: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crispiness) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons milk - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a tasty dish. The chicken tenders provide the base, while the garlic and Parmesan mix adds rich flavor. Breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. If you need alternatives, here are some ideas: - Use chicken breasts instead of tenders for a leaner option. - Almond flour can replace breadcrumbs for a gluten-free choice. - Try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option. - Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger taste. - Swap out olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor. These swaps can help you customize the dish to your liking. When buying chicken tenders, look for these signs: - Choose tenders that are pink and firm. - Avoid any with a gray or slimy appearance. - Check the packaging date for freshness. - Look for tenders that are free from added hormones. - If possible, choose organic or free-range chicken for better quality. Selecting fresh chicken will make your dish more flavorful and safe to eat. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat is perfect for crisping the chicken. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the chicken not stick. It also makes clean-up easy. In a shallow bowl, add two large eggs and two tablespoons of milk. Use a whisk to mix them well. You want the eggs and milk to blend smoothly. This mix helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. In another shallow bowl, combine one cup of breadcrumbs, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the spices. Add two teaspoons of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, one teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until all ingredients mix well. This coating gives the chicken its flavor and crunch. Take each chicken tender and dip it into the egg mixture first. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure it sticks. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this for all the chicken tenders. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken tenders. This helps them become crispy as they bake. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After baking, let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your tasty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders! To get that nice crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crispier. Before coating, make sure your chicken is dry. Pat it with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. Drizzle olive oil over the tenders before baking. This will help them crisp up in the oven. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano well. This combo gives a strong, tasty kick. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. For a richer taste, add more Parmesan cheese to the mix. You can even sprinkle some on top before baking for extra flavor. One big mistake is not preheating the oven. Baking at the right temperature is key for crispiness. Another mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. Leave space between each tender to ensure even cooking. Finally, don’t skip the resting step after baking. Letting them sit for a few minutes lets the juices settle, making them more tender. Pro Tips Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken tenders for better flavor and texture. Customize Your Breadcrumbs: Experiment with flavored breadcrumbs or add herbs to the mixture for a unique twist. Resting Time: Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain their juices. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or marinara, for added flavor. {{image_2}} If you love heat, try adding some spice. You can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breadcrumbs. Start with one teaspoon of cayenne, or add more for extra heat. This gives the chicken a bold kick. It pairs well with the garlic and Parmesan flavors. Serve with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese. To add more flavor, use fresh herbs. You can mix in chopped thyme, rosemary, or basil into the breadcrumb mix. Fresh herbs add a bright taste. If you want to stick to dried herbs, you can use Italian seasoning instead. It's a great way to change the taste without a lot of extra work. Using an air fryer can make these chicken tenders even crispier. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Coat the chicken like normal, then place them in the fryer basket. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness, and they should be golden brown. This method cuts down on oil and makes for a lighter meal. Store your leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can place a piece of paper towel inside to absorb extra moisture. This helps maintain their crispiness. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If they sit longer, they may lose flavor and texture. To reheat chicken tenders, use an oven or air fryer for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm and crispy. If using an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method helps keep them crunchy. If you want to freeze chicken tenders, first let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. This prevents them from sticking together. After that, transfer the tenders to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips. This will give you a similar shape. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Thicker pieces may need a bit longer to cook. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Many sauces taste great with these tenders. Here are some favorites: - Ranch dressing - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Marinara sauce - Garlic aioli Each sauce adds a different flavor, so try a few! To make these tenders gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these in most stores. Also, check that your seasonings are gluten-free. This ensures your meal stays safe and tasty. Many sides pair nicely with these tenders. Here are some good options: - Crispy French fries - Fresh coleslaw - Roasted vegetables - Garlic bread - A simple green salad These sides balance the meal and add color to your plate. This blog post shared the best ways to make garlic parmesan chicken tenders. I covered key ingredients, tips for crispiness, and proper baking methods. You learned about alternatives and variations, like spicy or air-fried options. Remember to store leftovers right for great taste later. Experiment with dipping sauces and sides to complete your meal. Cooking should be fun and simple, and now you have the tools to enjoy delicious chicken tenders any time. So get cooking and savor every bite!$

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Crispy chicken tenders coated in garlic and Parmesan for a delicious flavor.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
In another shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper together.
Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders to ensure they bake crispy.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Once done, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.

Keyword baked, chicken, garlic, Parmesan, tenders